Literacy Advance was launched 50 years ago in 1964, the same year that legendary Hall of Famer Larry Dierker began his professional baseball career. Besides a shared anniversary, there’s a deeper connection between this baseball legend and non-profit that provides free adult literacy programs.

“Larry has donated 1,200 volunteer hours to Literacy Advance and helped raise more than half a million dollars through the Reader Cup Celebrity Golf Tournaments over the past 7 years,” said Melanie Fisk, Executive Director at Literacy Advance.

“Larry re-wrote the Astros record books many times during his professional career, and he and Judy have helped countless others re-write their stories through their love of literacy. For this year’s Reader Cup, we wanted to honor Larry and Judy for being true “sweethearts” to Literacy Advance,” said Fisk of the upcoming event.

The nearly sold-out event at TopGolf Houston West, 1030 Memorial Brook Blvd. in Houston, features 6-person golf teams, a buffet-style dinner, recognition of the Dierkers, silent and live auction packages, team prizes, schmoozing with sports legends and more.

John Granato, nationally syndicated host of Yahoo! SportsRadio 1560 program “PrimeCut” with Sean Salsbury, will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

Members of the media, please check in at Registration for access, or contact Susan Schmaeling at 713-349-0780 for further information and/or post-event images.

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About Literacy Advance of Houston

Founded in 1964, Literacy Advance of Houston is an education and workforce development organization providing free literacy and work readiness classes to adults. All classes are delivered by trained volunteer tutors at 30 locations across the greater Houston area.By focusing on workforce and life skills development, students are provided the tools to transform their lives, families and communities through the doorway of literacy.

Literacy Advance is a United Way of Greater Houston agency, an accredited affiliate of the Houston Center for Literacy and ProLiteracy, and a member of Literacy Texas and the Better Business Bureau.